When it rains, it pours and when it suns, it’s a blistering, sweltering energy-sapper. Staying cool is all one wants, more so when there’s any commute to be dealt with.
The best fabric I am rooting for this season is mul. Soft, featherlight and airy, be it shirts, kurtas or saris, the block prints in summery hues are to die for. If not mul, then there’s linen, khadi, cotton, taant, chiffon, all kinds of handwovens from the various states, singling out kota and chanderi sans the lining which is a bit tough considering they are both fragile fabrics. Custom-make breathable loose shirts, tops, spaghettis and even the unflappable kaftan. Chikankari in cotton and georgette and some avant-garde ikat, kalamkari, shibori, a slim laal-paar border and patches at an exhibition spelt eclectic charm. I also spotted some of the coolest colour-blocked prints on whites in Delhi, Chandigarh and Jaipur. The next best hues that scream summer-cool have to be soft pastels, ecru, beige and ivory.
Go for easy silhouettes in airy and stylish flutter, puff or bell sleeves, or just sleeveless in all its avatars. Chuck the dupatta and instead pick kurtas with interesting necklines, wrap styles, or attached drapes.
Everything roomy and A-line or anarkali-style in tye-die, mirror work, tassels coordinated with silver oxidised jewellery will swing you that Indo-boho chic, specially if paired with jootis, gladiators, sliders, kolhapuris, huaraches, espadrilles, or the versatile open-toe bellies.
But what if you have office to attend or dash for meetings? Go for straight cotton kurta with cigarette pants, chikankari kurta sets; the chikankari shirt has gone missing, but if you can find or get your tailor to make, pair with lightweight ankle-high denims, or drape the six-yard in all its glory. Style with statement silver studs or sleek hoops, a low bun or braided ponytail, or trim it short, with nude flats or mules and of course a structured bag.
May specially and June have dates aplenty for those looking to get married. But what to wear in this searing heat? Again chanderi is the rich fabric to go for, and organza too. Anarkali or angrakha style kurta with ankle-high skirt, lehenga or sharara with mirror or gota detailing, cape sets or jacket kurtas with strappy blouses, short kurtis with dhoti pants, will help you sail through. A tip: buy your silk or cotton dhoti from a menswear store for the real fall and pleats. Opt for fresh dewy makeup with hair in open waves or a long plait with false hair, or even the chignon. Go for chandbalis, jhumkas, chandeliers or layered neckpiece. Juttis, potlis, oxidised jewelry, colorful huge bindis (according to face type) and voila you are ready to awe.
